The Tourkovounia mountains stretch for a considerable distance along a north-south axis, constituting the highest elevation in the Athens basin and with the highest peak reaching 338 meters. This gives the area great significance as a natural space within the urban web, contributing to the improvement of the microclimate, preserving natural vegetation and wildlife and offering recreational opportunities for residents.

History and Restoration

The park was originally the site of several quarries, which all became inactive after 1960. It began to take its present form after restoration work began in 1968, initially with planting in a small area. More substantial earthworks continued throughout the site well into the 1970s until by 1977 the entirety of the park had been planted and sections restored as green spaces for the public to use as sports and leisure areas. Further landscaping and planting then took place in 1987.
Landscape

ATTIKO ALSOS consists of two hills with rocky slopes, with vegetation mainly on the hilltops. It includes groves with cypress, pine and other trees, as well as a cave. About 60% of the park lies within the Municipality of Athens, the remainder mostly in Galatsi, with a small part in Psychiko.

Function and Use

ATTIKO ALSOS is mainly a park for sports and recreation, yet it also functions effectively as a cultural space, boasting both an open-air theatre and cinema as well as the chance for a leisurely drink or meal, with a cafeteria and restaurants in and around the park.

Existing and Proposed Conditions

Only 120,000 square metres of the total area in the northern section are fenced, actively used, and effectively managed (by a private security and fire protection company).

In the southeastern section, there is another fenced area of 63,000.00 square metres.
The rest of the park is left in a more natural state with no planted vegetation and also contains forested areas with rough rocky relief which have unmarked paths running through them. Some steep slopes are used for climbing by clubs and teams, though without equipment.
While ATTIKO ALSOS has a specific and distinct character focused on sports and cultural activities, it lacks a strong thematic identity and a communication strategy. This could be developed under a broader framework promoting Metropolitan Parks as a network (“Network of Metropolitan Green Areas”).

Since the distance between the parks Attiko Alsos and Pedion Areos is less than 1.5 km there is potential to link the two with a 6 km green trail.
 
The Planned Projects are:

1. Construction and landscaping earthworks

2. Soil Remediation
Carrying out a soil study, including sample collection and performance of soil analysis.

3. Water Supply, Irrigation and Fire Protection Works
Establishing a Wastewater Treatment Plant for irrigation
Upgrading and restoration pumping stations and water tanks.
Replacing water and fire-fighting networks.
Installation of monitoring system for the operation of electromechanical installations.
Introducing new pumping units and waterproofing of irrigation & firefighting tanks.

4. Architectural and Landscape
Upgrading urban features, outdoor and sports facilities.
Creating areas for free play and upgrading existing playgrounds.
Constructing a small electric train and track for children’s recreation.

5. Buildings and Other Constructions
Upgrading energy efficiency of park buildings, especially administration and locker-rooms.
Construction of two public WCs.
Creating two new open exercise areas.
Installing additional seating, waste bins and signage giving information and directions.
Placing benches along proposed peripheral walking routes.

6. Fencing
Upgrade and completion of external fencing.

7. Lighting
Conducting a photometric study.
Replacing lighting with LED fixtures.

8. Access and Pathways
Improving forest roads for service and fire vehicles.
Design of walking trails and a network of paths.
Highlighting and enhancing the cave and its surrounding entrance area.
Design of a mountain biking route.